The More Sibyl Podcast

부부 선교사| The One with The Bunns - Americans Serving Internationals: Episode 25 (2018)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with The Bunns Meet the Bunns or like I call them, Love Bunns; they are one of my favorite dyads in the world. Despite just meeting them a little over a year ago in Oklahoma, I consider myself blessed and honored to be a part of their family and that I get to call them “fremily” (family+friends). Charlie and Dona Bunn are also the Directors/Chi-Alpha campus pastors for the University of Central Oklahoma. Chi-Alpha is an outreach ministry to universities to reach students, reconcile them to Christ, and transform the university, the marketplace, and the world. Statistics have reported that 85% of international students have neither eaten in an American home and 75% have never been in an American home. The Bunns, through their ministry, are trying to change those statistics. For twenty years, they have been building community for international students to give them a sense of belonging. In this episode, we explored how Americans can benefit from multiculturalism, and how internationals (students) in the US contribute to broaden the worldview of Americans. We also talked about what Americans can do to change the perception held by most internationals of Americans of being just friendly but not necessarily good friends. They are in need of funds for renovations, generate scholarships for students, and so much more. Donations towards their ministry can be made here: goo.gl/YNa7dj Contact the Bunns: Email: ucochialpha@gmail.com, Instagram: ucochialpha, Facebook: Charlie Bunn, Dona Bun PS: I joined Chi Alpha in 2011 when I was a student in Austin, and I credit this group for enriching my American experience as they were very beneficial to helping me build community. Fun facts about The Bunns: Their kids have traveled for international mission trips to Haiti, El-Salvador, Jamaica. Dona, like all the little girls who grew up in Montana then, wanted to be an Olympic skater. Now she applies her degree in counseling to help international students through her ministry. Growing up in a small town in Arkansas, Charlie could have fought fires in Montana but now sees himself living in another foreign country. They do really have a heart and love for international students. Through this ministry, the Bunns have had contact with students from more than 125 countries. Takeaway Points: For Americans: It is worth the extra effort to befriend international students. Take the time, ask questions, as they want you to have a genuine interest in their lives. There is room in your heart to show some love to international students For Internationals: Wherever you may find yourself and when in need of community, find the Charlies and the Donas. Cultural exchange is a two-way street; you are also helping Americans learn more about your culture as much as you are learning about theirs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Notable Quotes: “If God has called you to be a ditch digger, any other thing you would do (e.g., doctor) will be a step-down. I think sometimes we place importance on a certain level of job, income, notoriety. Whatever God has called you to do is what you should be doing. Find what your talents are, and find how to make money from there.” - Charlie "We love it. We love that our kids did not see color. I am glad that they have an appreciation for international students and can easily connect with people. And I am a little jealous of that because we were raised differently." - Dona “Before Christ, I enjoyed people to a certain extent. After Christ, God gave me more of a love and a trust. I don’t think I trusted people very much before; I was suspect of so many things." – Charlie Recommended song: "Kola" - Damien Jurado (2016) Best, 모 /Mo!/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support

다행이다!| The One with Damilola Falodun - The Arduous Journey Back Home: Episode 24 (2018)

On one lazy Sunday in May, I fell into one of those YouTube black holes and ended up watching a video about Damilola - today’s guest. I remembered being transfixed for the whole 30+ minutes I watched it. It made me cry, raise my hand furiously to heaven, sigh deeply, contemplate the hearts of men and the pains we inflict on each other, and most importantly, it made me want to do something. Thus, I was moved to action to help this young lady re-tell her story in a more humanistic way, with more emphasis on the person behind the story, as I thought this element was grossly lacking in the interview I had just watched her in. Dear friends and listeners, today, I present to you a story of Ms. Damilola Falodun, a 23-year-old native of Ekiti state, an orphan, and a survivor of human trafficking. Lured under the pretext of finding work in Oman, her and several others endured harsh conditions while in Oman. It’s a story about finding your way back home after you have lost your way, in every sense of the word. It is also one that reminds us of, perhaps most importantly, that home is always where the heart is. Ms. Damilola is back in Nigeria now, safe, and slowly trying to build her life back. She also recently enrolled in a University to study entrepreneurship and business management. Her goal is to set up a foundation to help rescue and train young girls on artisan skills that can make them financially independent. You can make that Ms. Damilola’s dream come true by listening to this episode, sharing it with your friends and contacts to increase awareness on this issue, or making a small donation to help Damilola get her life back. You can also do all three. Here are her account details: Damilola Falodun, 2065970162, UBA bank You can also donate via the show by emailing me. Every cent received for this purpose will go directly to Ms. Damilola. Contact Ms. Damilola : Email: dammyserah31@gmail.com; Instagram @sayno2slavery Takeaway Points: Nigeria currently has no diplomatic presence or embassy in Oman making it extremely difficult for those who want to leave to seek refuge. Dear teenager or young adult reading this, do not fall for quick ways of making money. You could be selling your life away. Most countries have standard procedures in place for visits, so do not be lured by promises of free visas, steps that entail bypassing those standard procedures, and whatnots. If it is too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. Ms. Damilola is still plagued with the guilt of leaving the others behind. While we explored Oman in today’s story, there are other countries (e.g., Libya) that have been implicated similarly. Notable Quotes by Damilola: “While in Oman, I prayed to God that if I was rescued and made it back to Nigeria safely, I will use my voice and all my resources to create awareness on this issue.” “It is better to drink garri and ordinary water in Nigeria, at least you will be free here, than being stuck in a foreign place as a slave. I will not stop until I see people rescued back to Nigeria.” Recommended song: "Hallelujah" - Funbi (2017) Stay Safe, 모 /Mo!/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support

저는 보편적이다| The One with Solonia - On Being Ethiopian-Taiwanese & Cultural Richness: Episode 23 (2018)

Meet Solonia: America-born-Ethiopian-Taiwanese, currently living in Singapore, with life chapters spanning the US and Asia. Solonia identifies as a citizen of the world - challenging conventional notions of identity and purpose, and evangelizing life + work by design. As co-founder of The Change School, Solonia designs and facilitates transformational learning for harnessing self-discovery, entrepreneurial grit, and creative intelligence. She is a writer, storyteller and mindset coach. In this episode, we talked about being a cultural nomad – tips, its perks and downsides, embracing one’s cultural richness, and how to homogenize ones’ culturally-rich identity. PS: Solonia and I compared Asian and African cultures and the concept of same-same but different. Contact Solonia: solonia@thechangeschool.com Find out more about TheChangeSchool: http://thechangeschool.com/ and mention the show “The More Sibyl Podcast” to get discounts on their programs. Fun facts about Solonia: Solonia has been recognized as Asia's 50 Women Leaders for Leadership Excellence by CMO Asia, awarded for Global Training & Development Leadership by the World Training & Development Congress. She was invited to speak at TEDxAuckland on the future of Global Citizenship. Takeaway Points: African and Asian cultures share similar traits like shared core values, familial piety, the value of education, celebrating around food, and respect for elders. Really embrace your cultural richness; don’t hide it! Your difference is what makes you unique. Bring that (cultural) curiosity to your life and work. Being African and Asian can mean being twice under that parental pressure to be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or nothing else. According to Solonia: “Does anyone else think it questionable that we use the word "expat" to describe non-natives living/working in non-Western countries, whereas in the reverse instance we refer to "foreign workers" and "immigrants" or "migrants" only? When was the last time you heard Asian professionals or short-term residents in the US, Europe, or Australia, for example, being described as Expats? #justsayin “The beauty of Singapore is so diverse and shows the difference between homogenization and melting pot. In America, there is a push to homogenize and adopt the American culture and become American. In Singapore, by contrast, there is no real need or pressure to become Singaporean. Everyone can coexist, and there is a feeling that everyone is able to retain their culture while existing in a diverse society.” “My background and upbringing have really helped me to appreciate historical cultures and be able to connect with people from different backgrounds because you are constantly adapting and making empathetic connections.” Best, 모 /Mo!/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support

자기 용서를위한 시간| The One with Theresa - Childhood, Interrupted : Episode 22 (2018)

WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS MESSAGES THAT MIGHT BE DISTURBING TO SOME LISTENERS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED ONE FORM OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE OR THE OTHER. This was easily the most difficult episode I have worked on this podcast. The prevalence of child sexual abuse is one that cannot be ignored (especially in a country like Nigeria with its burgeoning population and lax rules). Why? Because abused children grow up to become adults who may suffer from mental health issues ranging from substance abuse, personality disorders, conflict in romantic or interpersonal relationships, to eating disorders. Of all the things that can be done to you, rape is probably one of the worse because it is your body and you have to carry it along for the rest of your life; there is no escaping from it. Even when you try to physically escape from it, the body (and brain) always keep the score. In this episode, I discussed these issues at length with a longtime friend and a lawyer – Theresa Odigie. As an author, Theresa uses her words to rescue people from grief, insecurities, or anything that poses as a stronghold in one's life. Follow her on Instagram as Theresa.odigie. PS: We discussed a poem from Theresa’s new book, a collection of poems – Broken Porcelain. This book is a collection of pure sadness and connectedness which can be purchased on Amazon at a discounted price (for the next 10 days), courtesy of the show. Kindle version and hard copies are available. Things not to say to a child sexual abuse survivor: “I know how you feel.” – [This minimizes the robustness of their pain] “It could have been worse.” – [Also minimization] “Time heals the words.” – [There’s nothing powerful about the passage of time. Memories don’t know time] “Tell me more details on how it happened.” – [Voyeuristic and misuse of trust. Let them offer up their story how and when they want.] “Don’t worry, it is going to be all right, God makes beauty from ashes.” – [Certainly not biblical.] “You need to forgive and move on.” – [I can’t even!] Rather, try saying: “I believe you.” “I am glad you are talking to me.” “I am glad you are safe.” “It’s understandable. You are not crazy for feeling this way.” “It’s OK to cry.” “I am sorry this happened to you.” Takeaway Points: SURVIVORS Find someone to talk to. If you cannot, talk to strangers, you are not really investing in them emotionally. Even better, find another survivor to talk to. They have lived the abuse, and are usually able to nurture another survivor. Don’t blame yourself for what happened to you. Give that baggage away; it was never yours. Healing is possible and a long journey, but it is worth it. SUPPORTERS If someone confides in you, you are obligated to listen When someone opens up to you, do not break their trust Parents should be more vigilant and strive to create safe spaces for their children to communicate openly with them on any issues. Recommended Song: “Leave the Lights On” – Beth Hart (2003) Resources: Need help? US: National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline - Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) - https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline Nigeria: Mirabel center - Managed by Partnership for Justice Tel: 08155770000, 07013491769, 08187243468, 01-2957816 www.pjnigeria.org, sarc@pjnigeria.org, partners@pjnigeria.org, partners4justice@yahoo.com, http://mirabelcentre.org/ Citations: Holcomb, Justin. (2011): Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault. Crossway Publishers Child Sex Abuse: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_sexual_abuse You are not alone; I see you, 모 /Mo!/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support

다음 알베르트 슈바이처| The One with Soo - The South Korean-Sierra Leonean: Episode 21 (2018)

So, y’all know like how I am the first Nigerian-Korean you know, right?! Well, I am here to introduce you to the first Korean-African - Soo, or Joshua (you will get this reference once you listen) who speaks Pidgin English fluently. He’s as African at heart as I am Korean and as passionate about Sierra Leone as I am about Korea. The only difference is that I am yet to set foot in Korea. I always describe my guests as amazing or wonderful; Soo is all these and much more and one of the spectacular 20-something year-olds I have met. Soo is Korean, born in England in 1995, but raised in Sierra Leone. His parents work as missionaries, and due to unforeseen conflicts and disasters, he has moved around quite a bit. For now, though, he is in Michigan, USA for his studies but hopes to go back abroad. In this episode, we talked about the duality of being African while looking Korean. The advantages of being a third culture person and how growing up in Africa is helping him excel in his studies. We also talked about first-world problems, African values, weighing wants vs. needs, and learning how to empathize with others who are not like us. PS: He reminds of me of an upcoming Albert Schweitzer (which coincidentally is one of his role models), and I think that as his nuances become more pronounced, he might just be as great as Dr. Schweitzer, if not greater. I met Soo through Adrian – a mutual friend. Fun facts about Soo: He is currently pursuing a dual degree in medicine and a Ph.D. in Microbiology (DO-PhD). He loves a lot of Nigerian artistes, especially Yemi Alade. He is passionate about social causes in Africa such as domestic abuse, patriarchy, unequal education between boys and girls, and in improving the healthcare infrastructure. He had a pet hedgehog named Collette, who recently died. #RIPCollette He speaks three languages fluently: Korean, English, and Creole. He speaks advanced French, and he is intermediate in Spanish. He is interested in finishing Arabic and may want to continue with Japanese. He loves Starbucks for a unique reason (find out why), and it’s not about him being bourgeois. He started the African Student Association (ASA) chapter in his college during his undergrad years to unite his friends from Madagascar, Rwanda, and Ghana to create a family of their own. Despite being a missionary kid, he tried out different religions before deciding to be Christian. He is a foodie and can make jollof rice, albeit the Sierra Leone variety. Takeaway Points: Anywhere you find yourself, try to search for a supportive community that can draw you in. Have a consistent circle of friends. Actions (especially subtle ones) speak louder than words. Being from Africa confers us with an ability not to forget the most important things and values. Parents can help their TCKs thrive better by being more open about struggles. Notable Quotes by Soo: “Home is where I make myself comfortable. When people ask me where my 고향 /gohyang/ (Korean word for hometown) is, I always say Sierra Leone because that is where my heart truly belongs. In traveling around a lot, longing for just one place that I cannot go back to for a while made it very depressing and hard. So, what I ended up doing was making a home wherever I went. So right now, while my home is in Michigan, my heart is still in Sierra Leone, and it will never leave that place.” "A lot of kids like me wanted stability, one place, one home, in a way I kinda missed that." "As a scientific researcher, I’d like to be on the forefront of developing therapies, researching, characterizing diseases and be able to provide health care to people." "Around a table, I have the table manners of a French, the greeting manners of a Korean, the respectful manner of a Korean and an African." WIth Love from the Koreans, 모 /Mo!/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support

블랙 판터| The One with Chinwe - On Social Justice and Christianity: Episode 20 (2018)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Chinwe One of the arguments against mainstream social justice warriors (SJWs) is that they reject the concept of sin and hold the belief that humans are inherently good by nature. As a result, in the face of evil, the society is largely blamed instead of upholding individual personal responsibility. In this episode, I chatted with Chinwe Oriji, a scholar and a PhD candidate in African and African Diaspora studies, on whether Christians should be involved in social justice or even identify as social justice warriors (SJWs)? We also talked a bit about an article she wrote on Wakanda's Black Panther as a place that shows that post-independence Africans in and outside of African are not exempt from a diasporic reality of loss, longing, and resistance. We also explored the Biafra war and her identity as an American born to first generation Igbo immigrant. PS: As at the time this episode was taped in April, I had not watched Black Panther then. Talk about not knowing the old days were good and blissful #teehee. Fun facts about Chinwe In high school, she would draw the Nigerian flag every single day in class to the point that her Spanish teacher had to get her a real one which she pinned on the blackboard permanently. She’s got suave and sleek ‘fro for days (I touched them, so I know). She was teased because of her name growing up and wished she had an English name. Kids called her chicken wings and chinchilla instead of Chinwe. She once gave a presentation at The Igbo Conference in London where Chimamanda Adichie gave a talk too. Takeaway Points: Being banned from and punished for speaking any of the Nigerian native tongues in Nigerian schools is a second-wave of colonization and racialization. Christians, especially those with power, can fight societal justice while still acknowledging individual responsibility. Notable Quote: “To be Black means to be a part of a history of resistance, beauty, struggle but also of creation. To be Igbo is to be part of a history.” - Chinwe Igbo Kwenu! 모 /Mo!/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support

건강을 위해서| The One with Aayah - Let Food be Thy Medicine: Episode 19 (2018)

“Let Food Be Thine Medicine And Medicine Be Thy Food” – Hippocrates The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Aayah Get ready to kiss dieting goodbye in this episode (Joshua Harris, anyone?). Aayah, an Egyptian-American who is now based in Seattle, is a holistic health coach, detox specialist, YouTube content creator, wife, and mother of two kids. Her journey into healthy eating was inspired by her health issues such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, mood and digestive issues. In this episode, Aayah drew from both her personal and professional experiences on ways to eat clean and well on a budget, recipe substitution (this is important especially for immigrants), and maintaining an overall balanced lifestyle. We also talked about the elephant in the room (literally, me!) and my constant love-hate relationship with dieting and ways people like me can be more successful at mindful eating and maintaining a healthy weight. Aayah’s parents are currently held political prisoners in Egypt. Her mom is the longest held female political prisoner in Egypt and in solitary confinement. See link below on how you can support and help them raise awareness on this. PS: Aayah is currently running a promo for a mid-summer detox session and health coaching. To get a discount on her services, contact her directly letting her know you are one of the listeners of the show. Fun facts about Aayah After having two kids and at the encouragement of her mom, she went back to school to learn health coaching and integrative nutrition. Her goal as a coach is to get her clients to a point where they don’t need another diet. She is a YouTuber who makes really crisp videos on healthy recipes. She is a nature enthusiast – loves hiking and being outdoors. She has found ways to keep her time to a minimum in the Kitchen – she’s certainly African, haha! Takeaway Points: After having two kids and at the encouragement of her mom, she went back to school to learn health coaching and integrative nutrition. Her goal as a coach is to get her clients to a point where they don’t need another diet. She is a YouTuber who makes really crisp videos on healthy recipes. She is a nature enthusiast – loves hiking and being outdoors. She has found ways to keep her time to a minimum in the Kitchen – she’s certainly African, haha! Additional Resources: Contact Aayah: Website: www.beenourished.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1wzcklxneK5Oe-kZK0GlA Facebook: bee2nourished Instagram: bee.nourished More about her parents: http://www.freeolaandhosam.org/ ALSO, I’D LOVE TO HEAR BACK FROM MY LISTENERS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL AT SUSTAINING YOUR WEIGHT LOSS. WHAT WORKED MOST FOR YOU? Yours-in-weighting, 모 /Mo!/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support

법과 질서| The One with Mr. Olanipekun Esq. - Law and Order; Naija Version: Episode 18 (2018)

“Fiat justitia ruat cælum” [Let justice be done though the heavens fall] - Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Mr. Olanipekun Esq. In Nigeria, the Police might not be your friend (insert police jokes here), but there are some friendly faces who are working on reforming the criminal justice system, and I’d like for you to meet one of them. Here’s introducing Mr. Nelson Olanipekun Esq., a human rights lawyer and the team lead at Gavel. Gavel is a civic tech organization, which started in 2017 and aims to improve the pace of justice delivery through tech. Gavel has reached millions of Nigerians with over 100 indigent Nigerians benefiting directly from it. They provide free legal support for inmates awaiting trials, victims of domestic violence, and a whole lot of other people. In this episode, we talked about the Nigerian justice system and ways to rebrand it, as well as police brutality amidst the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) pandemic. We explored the Nigerian prison system and its many challenges, chief of which are overcrowding and not following due processes. I also probed Mr. Olanipekun’s thoughts on whether SARS should be reformed or as scrapped as a whole? PS: Years and years of watching legal dramas such as Suits, Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, The Practice have finally paid off. See if you can get your own legalese on, like I did, with this new episode. Also, Gavel has this cool feature on their website where you can track cases of individuals who are awaiting trials; it has been used to track over 500 inmates – check it out here: http://gavel.ng/opened-cases Fun facts about Mr. Olanipekun Esq. He wrote a letter to the Supreme Court of Nigeria (SCN) on enforcing the existing rules that have implications for ending police brutality. The SCN replied favorably. Wait what?! He once sued the Government over the long detention of over 100 inmates who have been awaiting trial for over seven years. He failed at his first start-up in 2014 but restarted in 2017. He is, most certainly, not a lazy Nigerian youth. If he didn’t study law, he would be a tech geek. Takeaway Points: Tips for entrepreneurs: learn from your mistakes and don’t give up when you fail. Be more active citizens. Most Nigerians need to take more interest in governance. Be your brother’s (and sister’s) keeper; If you see something, say something. Lawyers can also volunteer and donate their time to help at the Gavel. Donations are needed to reach more people and to continue to provide legal aid to indigents. As at March 2018, 68% of the Nigerian prison population are awaiting trial. Avoid prison, especially the Nigerian kind, if you can. Consider donating to Gavel to help their cause. Donations can be made here: Local: Access Bank 0773466368, Citizens Gavel Nigeria Dollar donations: Access Bank 0773502598 Domiciliary Account Citizens Gavel Nigeria Online donations: rave.flutterwave.com/pay/citizensgavelnigeriagv8z Additional Resources: Contact Gavel via Twitter @citizen_gavel or email hello@gavel.ng, citizengavel@gmail.com Iyabo’s Story that started it all can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cs3oTKqyME To report an incident, contact the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU) on http://npf.gov.ng/complaint/ Read more about the ACJA (which was referenced) here: http://www.thelawyerschronicle.com/a-brief-analysis-of-nigerias-administration-of-criminal-justice-act-2015/ Legally Yours, 모 /Mo!/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support

저는 아직도 믿는다| The One with Kelechi - Not All Who Wander Are Lost: Episode 17 (2018)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Kelechi I lost my faith once when I went through a phase of existential crisis that spanned almost a whole year; I wrote about it here - https://goo.gl/NCf1A2. I look back at that period with gratitude as it made my faith stronger and my relationship deeper with Christ. In this episode, I ‘sat’ down with one of my dear friends – Kelechi – who is on the other end of the spectrum, searching for meaning and questioning his faith. We talked about crisis of faith and the roles the church and our culture play in this. Kelechi is a Nigerian who has lived in Canada for a major chunk of his life. PS: His favorite word seems to be “absolutely.” If you can correctly guess how many times he used this word in this episode, you get a chance to recommend a topic we can explore on the show. Fun facts about Kelechi He is a continent drifter since he has visited less than ten countries. With the exception of Antarctica and Australia, he has visited every continent on earth He studied pharmacy briefly then got a degree in biochemistry and is now in school wrapping up his MBA He is very single (*wink wink* ladies) Takeaway Points: Not all who wander are lost; be kind to those who have left the faith All your friends don’t always have to be people you agree with all the time. You can disagree with someone and still respect them Christianity has a lot of space for questioning and asking those tough questions does not reduce the quality of your faith Embrace your crisis of faith tightly; it could make your faith stronger Recommended Song: “Dare You to Move” – Switchfoot (2004) Cited books: Lewis, Clive Staples (1940). The Problem of Pain. The Centenary Press Lewis, Clive Staples (1961). A Grief Observed. Faber and Faber Bryson, Bill. (2001). In a Sunburned Country. Doubleday Publishers Bryson, Bill. (2010). At Home: A Short History of Private Life. Doubleday Publishers Yours Faithfully, 모 /Mo!/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support

미래 대사님| The One with Alex- Future United Nations Ambassador: Episode 16 (2018)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Alex Meet Alex: Alex grew up in Trujillo, Peru and is one of the amazing 20 year-olds I have ever come in contact with. He was an exchange student here in Oklahoma, and in this episode, we explored what growing up in Peru was like, his triumphs and regrets as an exchange student in the US, and his future ambitions. According to Alex: "I come from a multicultural family; being Latin, Hispanic, and Peruvian is such a blessing to me. Peru is such a multicultural place; we got so many influences around the world. We pretty much are still in the shadow of the Inca Empire. We were a Spanish colony for so long. If you wanna eat, visit Peru; if you wanna experience culture, visit Peru. In addition to visiting Machu Picchu, there are many other beautiful places to visit. Peruvians are warm and friendly, and the country is also very inviting. If I could choose one thing I love about Peru, it would have to be the food." On why he is interested in international affairs and diplomacy, Alex had this to say: “I do believe that together, we can achieve a lot. Sometimes, when we do not get involved with other people (from other countries), we see more differences than similarities. We are in an era of globalization, every culture must contribute something." PS: In this episode, I throw out a theory of how I think Nigerians cannot call dibs on being the custodians of plantains. There are some African influences in Peru, and we explored the food and music angles. Fun facts about Alex: He is super worldly and knows a lot about several countries and their cultures. I think he is going to be a UN Ambassador someday; say you heard it first on this show. Like me, he loves plantains, FRIENDS (the series), and Bossa nova (Brazilian music genre) Takeaway Points: Quinoa is an ancient food that originated with the Incas in the mountains of Peru and Bolivia. It was a food highly revered by the Incas. We can connect with so many people from different cultures on so many levels via food, music, etc. Visit Peru and explore its cultural abundance. All llama love, 모 /Mo/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support